Lorain County Public Health hosted Chalk the Walk on Aug. 19 in Ely Square in downtown Elyria, according to a news release.
During the event, three local artists and over 520 community residents created inspiring chalk art and messages to reduce stigma on opioid overdose and support people seeking recovery, the release said.
This event leads up to International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31, according to the release.
At the event, Lorain County Public Health distributed 114 naloxone (Narcan) rescue kits, the release said.
“Naloxone rescue kits save lives,” said Lorain County Public Health Commissioner Mark Adams in the release. “In 2022, naloxone saved 318 people from dying from an overdose.
“When a life is saved, it gives someone the opportunity to get help and seek recovery.”
Community members as well as leaders from Lorain County Urban League, Lorain County Public Health, OhioGuidestone and Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield shared personal stories on recovery and substance use disorder, according to the release.
The family event also included live music, free face painting and awareness giveaways, the release said.
Help curb the opioid crisis by carrying naloxone to help stop and reverse an opioid overdose, and order and get trained for free, have a kit mailed to you in one to three business days, pick up a kit at Lorain County Public Health at 9880 Murray Ridge Road in Elyria, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weekdays or find another naloxone pickup location at bit.ly/3M0cvb3.
Get naloxone rescue kits for your business by visiting LorainCountyHealth.com/opioids.
Keep prescription medications safe – order a free medication safe and/or a disposal bag at LorainCountyHealth.com/opioids.
If you use drugs, never use alone; Call 1-800-484-3731 and an operator will stay on the line and call emergency services if you don’t respond, the release said.
You can visit the Harm Reduction Clinic at The Nord Center, from 1-5 p.m., Mondays and Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, at 3150 Clifton Ave. in Lorain.
Exchange syringes, pick up fentanyl testing strips and get support, the release said.
When you’re ready to ask for help, call 1-800-888-6161, the recovery hotline for the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services Board of Lorain County.
Hear the voices of three local people in recovery at LorainCountyHealth.com/opioids, the release said.
For more information on how Lorain County Public Health serves and supports a healthy community, contact them at 440-322-6367 or visit LorainCountyHealth.com.
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Also, visit LorainCountyHealth.com/opioids.
